Game of Thrones Exhibition returns to NI

The exhibition, which proved hugely popular last year among fans who were eager to get the Westeros experience, will be held at Belfast's Waterfront Hall from 11-15 June 2014.This year's display will focus on the storyline and events of series 3, with a few surprises from the fourth season.It will feature over 100 original artefacts, including costumes, weapons, armour, set miniatures, storyboards and, of course, model dragons.Fans will also get the chance to explore Kings Landing, sit on the coveted Iron Throne and 'climb the wall' at the new Oculus Rift interactive area.Northern Ireland Tourist Board Destination Manager, Helen Carey, said: "Last year's Game of Thrones exhibition was a roaring success and we are confident that this year will be even more popular. "Tickets for the exhibition which are completely free will go on general release in May and I would encourage anyone who is interested in attending the event to pre-register for tickets to avoid any disappointment and receive updates on all that's happening with Game of Thrones."The hugely successful fantasy series is filmed in Northern Ireland, with various locations, including the Cushendun Caves, Murlough Bay, Ballintoy Harbour, and Larrybane, featuring on screen.The series is based on George R.R. Martin's best-selling books and is one of several high profile programmes and films that have been shot in Northern Ireland in recent years. The Game of Thrones Exhibition will visit numerous locations around the world including New York, Mexico, Austin, Rio de Janeiro, Oslo, Toronto, Vancouver and Belfast.Moyra Lock, Head of Marketing, Northern Ireland Screen said: "Game of Thrones is a phenomenal worldwide success and everything about the series can be talked of in superlatives. "We have made no secret of the fact that we hope Game of Thrones will do for Northern Ireland what Lord of the Rings did for New Zealand. "The Game of Thrones exhibition is the jewel in the crown of our expanded screen tourism proposition; an area which Northern Ireland Screen has identified as one of its thematic priorities this year."